Russell wins Martone Award as top lineman

BY CHRIS MASCARO | chris.mascaro@newsday.com

December 5, 2007

Four games into the 2005 season Plainview JFK football coach Matt Gentile turned to a shy but imposing sophomore and told him to get into the game.

Though the Hawks lost to Farmingdale, 29-6, and won only two games the rest of the season, Gentile had found his foundation on the offensive line in Evan Russell.

Since then the introverted Russell has turned into a vocal leader, and was one of Plainview JFK's captains in a resurgent 2007 season.

Because of his outstanding senior season, Russell, a 6-1, 270-pound offensive guard and nose tackle, is the recipient of this year's Martone Award, given to Nassau's top lineman.

"He was an integral part of our success," Gentile said. "He is the anchor of our line and our leader."

Plainview JFK bounced back from an 0-8 record in 2006 to post a 4-4 mark this season, and Russell's play on both sides of the ball was a big reason.

Defensively, he made 32 tackles, including eight for a loss, to go with 2 1/2 sacks. On offense, he recorded 39 pancake blocks and was the bulldozer for a unit that rushed for more than 2,500 yards.

Before the season, Gentile switched from a spread attack predicated on throwing the ball, to a run-heavy offense out of a double- wing formation to utilize Russell's talents.

Opposing defenses would key on Russell because they knew that Plainview JFK would be running behind him. But he had the athleticism to get into position and drive bigger players off the ball.

"He could have played any of the positions on the line," Gentile said. "He knew he'd be facing some of the bigger boys, but he always got the job done."

Unlike other high school linemen, Russell is not just a big body. The three-sport athlete also excels in wrestling and lacrosse.

"They keyed on him and it didn't matter," Gentile said. "He still came up big in every big game."

Yet, Russell still couldn't overcome the Dalers - his first and last opponent.

Although Plainview JFK surprised people in reaching the Conference I playoffs, the Hawks couldn't overcome Farmingdale, which defeated them, 35-7, in the first round.

"It started and ended with them [for Russell]," Gentile said.

Just as Plainview JFK's offense started and ended with Russell.